Matthew 4:16

The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

Today, we see darkness of every kind around us. But darkness is not new. Murder, envy, and hatred are as old as Cain. Selfish ambition and lies were introduced in the Garden. But today, the tidings of great joy remain the same! Light has penetrated the darkness! Jesus, the Light of the World, has come! The realm of God’s reign has invaded this world! Some will shrink back from the brightness of that light. Some will hate us because we carry that light and feel exposed. But others will be drawn irresistibly to Christ IN us, the hope of glory!

Pray that God will let the light of His gospel shine through us to illuminate this dark world.

Amdo People

by RW

Amdo Tibetans are semi nomadic herders of sheep, yaks, and goats. Although the vast majority of Amdo are Tibetan Buddhists, there has also been a revival of interest in the pre-Buddhist religion of Bon. Interestingly, the Dalai Lama is himself an Amdo, born in Qinghai Province. Historically, the Amdo have had conflict with the Muslims from the north who massacred large numbers of them, driving them south. They have also suffered from problems with the Han Chinese to the east. Violent clashes with the Chinese have resulted in massive loss of life both in the 1940s with the original “liberation” of the Tibetan areas, as well as in recent years since the uprising in 2008. Many of the monks who have protested the occupation of their towns in these years through public self-immolation (setting themselves on fire) have been Amdo.

Pockets of Qiangic Speaking Tibetans live among the Amdo in southern Gansu, Qinghai, and northwest Sichuan. In these areas, the QSTs are often bilingual with Amdo, particularly those among the QSTs who are herders. Written and recorded materials developed in the Amdo language could be used in these areas. However, with the political protests in Amdo areas, Internet, phone, and road access are highly restricted and sometimes completely shut down. (Source: Joshua Project)

Pray that somehow a miracle would happen that causes the government to withdraw their military forces from Amdo areas. Pray that there will be new leaders who want to serve rather than oppress the people. Ask that the avenues for the gospel would be reopened.